LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the observance of Nelson Mandela
International Day in New York, July 18, 2014

WHEREAS, Mandela Day is a global initiative proposed by 46664 and the
Nelson Mandela Foundation as a day to honor and celebrate former South
African President Nelson Mandela and his legacy; and
WHEREAS, Mandela Day held on Nelson Mandela's birthday, July 18th,
will be an opportunity for people around the world to take some time to
make a contribution to the world around them; and
WHEREAS, The hope is that Mandela Day will serve as a global call to
action for people to realize their individual power to make a differ-
ence, and to make an imprint; and
WHEREAS, To mark this day, a series of events will be held around the
world to honor this great man who not only helped to topple the oppres-
sive apartheid regime in South Africa, but helped to lead the world in
speaking out about the HIV/AIDS pandemic and how we must all act to stop
the spread of this disease; and
WHEREAS, New York City will be the center of this year's celebrations
with a series of events featuring 46664 music, film and entertainment
ambassadors; and
WHEREAS, Such a day can serve to bring people together from around the
world to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation; this initi-
ative is supported by people from all circles around the world to use
this day as an opportunity for community work; and
WHEREAS, Nelson Mandela was born at Qunu, near Umtata on July 18,
1918; his father was chief councillor to Thembuland's acting chief,
David Dalindyebo; when his father died, Mandela was groomed for becoming
chief of his local tribe; however, he would never be able to make this
commitment; and
WHEREAS, While at University, Nelson Mandela became increasingly aware
of the unjust nature of South African Society; the majority of Black
South Africans had little opportunities either economic or political;
much to the disappointment of his family, Mandela became involved in
politics, and along with his good friend and comrade, Oliver Tambo, was
expelled from Fort Hare for organizing a student strike; and
WHEREAS, However, Nelson Mandela was able to finish his degree and
qualified as a lawyer; in 1952, Nelson and Oliver opened the first Black
law firm in South Africa; the Transvaal law Society tried to have it
closed down, but was blocked by the South African Supreme Court; and
WHEREAS, In 1944, Nelson Mandela helped found the ANC Youth League,
whose Programme of Action was adopted by the ANC in 1949; he was instru-
mental in pushing the ANC into more direct action such as the 1952 Defi-
ance Campaign and later acts of sabotage; and
WHEREAS, By the late 1950s, the South African state had become
increasingly repressive, making it more difficult for the ANC to oper-
ate; Nelson Mandela had to resign from the ANC and work underground;
from 1956-1961, there was an extremely lengthy "Treason Trial" in which
Nelson Mandela and several others were charged with treason; conducting
their own defense, they eventually proved to be victorious; and
WHEREAS, Nelson Mandela noted in his autobiography the judiciary were
one of the least repressive parts of the South African state and in
theory, sought to follow the rule of law; and
WHEREAS, However, in 1960, the Sharpeville massacre of 63 Black South
Africans changed the whole political climate; South Africa was increas-
ingly isolated on the international scene and the government banned the
ANC; this led Nelson Mandela to advocate armed struggle through the
Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK); and

WHEREAS, By 1962, Nelson Mandela had been arrested and sentenced to
life imprisonment in the notorious Robben Island prison; life at the
prison was tough and uncompromising; in his autobiography he reveals how
he sought to make the best use of his time there; he helped to keep
other men's spirits high and never compromised his political principles
when offered early release; towards the end of his prison spell his
treatment improved as the South African establishment increasingly
looked to negotiation, in the face of international isolation; and
WHEREAS, Although negotiations were painfully slow and difficult, they
eventually led to Nelson Mandela's release in 1990; it was an emotional
moment watched by millions around the globe; and
WHEREAS, The next four years were also difficult as South African
society suffered inter-cultural violence between ANC and Inkarta
supporters, in addition to slow progress on a new constitution; and
WHEREAS, On May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as the first
democratically elected State President of South Africa and was President
until June of 1999; as President, Mandela presided over the transition
from minority rule and apartheid; his advocacy of reconciliation led to
international acclaim and importantly the trust of the White African
population; despite the initial euphoria of winning the election, the
ANC faced a difficult challenge to improve the lives of the black popu-
lation; this was made more difficult by the HIV epidemic, which contin-
ues to cause grave problems; Nelson Mandela recently lost his eldest son
to this disease and he has worked extremely hard to campaign on this
issue; and
WHEREAS, Since retiring from office, Nelson Mandela continued to be an
international figure of great stature; he was one of the few politicians
who has gone beyond a political role; he is widely admired and has
received many prestigious awards; Nelson Mandela is also associated with
many educational programmes and initiatives such as Make Poverty History
Campaign; and
WHEREAS, In 1993, Nelson Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize
jointly with F.W. De Klerk; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the observance of Nelson Mandela International Day in New
York, July 18, 2014; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.